News

Davenport priest reinstated to ministry

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 12:36pm

Diocese officials say after evidence did not support the report, a Davenport priest accused of inappropriate contact will be restored to ministry.

Father Robert Harness, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davenport, was accused of inappropriately touching a minor in approximately 1990. Diocese officials said someone reported Father Harness inappropriately touched a minor during a game that was played at a high school retreat.

“The game was played in full view of as many as 50 students and 10 adults. None of the witnesses observed nor has anyone else reported any inappropriate behavior by Father Harness,” said Deacon David Montgomery of the Diocese of Davenport.

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Historic newspaper found in Ambrose time capsule

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 11:24am

More than 125 years after it was sealed, the cornerstone of Ambrose Hall was opened to reveal its historic contents.

The cornerstone of the building, which was laid in July 1885, was removed as part of a planned $5-million renovation to the building. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the fall 2013 semester, in December 2013.

The cornerstone was opened in May 2013 and St. Ambrose University officials revealed what was inside the cornerstone on May 23.

Ambrose Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It opened in November 1885 and has been expanded and remodeled several times in its 128-year history.

A newspaper dated February 1885 was found inside the cornerstone.

Ambrose Hall is at 518 West Locust Street in Davenport.

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Man looks to sell guns out of Davenport garage

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 9:12pm

A Davenport man’s plan to sell guns out of his garage has some neighbors up in arms.

Kye Staples runs a business called The Gun Cave out of his garage on West 45th Street. The U.S. Marine already deals in ammo and gun accessories, and he wants to expand his business to include firearms.

“All I’m looking to do is have a private, side business where I have the ability to sell firearms to responsible people who are qualified to use them,” said Staples.

Wednesday, the father of two said safety is a top priority, pointing to a security system he’s installed and vast firearms experience.

“I’ve got a 6-year-old, and I’ve got an 11-year-old. I’m not going to jeopardize their safety, or the safety of the neighbors, or anybody else. Everything we’ve done is to the “T,” by the book,” said Staples.

The plan, though, is still raising some neighbors’ concern.

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Churches to collect food for Oklahoma victims

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 9:36am

Davenport’s Adventure Christian Church and Bettendorf’s Cross Point Church will be collecting food for victims of Oklahoma’s twister Monday.

Both churches start their food drive at noon Wednesday, and it runs until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Adventure’s Pastor Tony Liston is setting up the event.

The churches are looking for frozen food items only. They are looking for bottles of water and plastic condiment bottles too.

Both churches will be heading to Moore, Oklahoma Thursday and will return on Saturday night. The churches will be taking their supplies to Elevate Church OKC in Moore.

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Iowa Businesses Could Save a total of $200 million

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 6:40am

Together, Iowa businesses could save more than $200 million state-wide over the next four years.

The savings are in a property tax bill going through the Iowa state legislature. Business owners throughout the area would benefit from the plan.

The bill would cut the taxable value of commercial and industrial property taxes by 10 percent over the next two years. Le Claire shoppers also weighed in with their support on May 17th.

“Part of the reason why Le Claire has been so popular lately is because of the small businesses,” shopper Stacy Clark said last week. “If we can get more of them and keep them going, I think that’s good.”

Many Iowan cities are opposed to the plan though. Cities say they could lose up to $215 million in revenue by year 2024.

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Davenport teacher wraps first year in the classroom

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 10:00pm

All this school year, we’re following a new first grade teacher in Davenport. That’s where a district program is helping new teachers adjust to classroom careers. Here’s part three of this Journey to Excellence.

One word at a time, these first graders are learning how to read and write.

Inside the classroom at Davenport’s Monroe Elementary School, first year teacher Alex Lampe really knows her 21 students. That makes the end of the school year a real accomplishment.

Click here for part 1 or part 2 in Alex’s journey.

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How A (New) Casino Helps Local Organizations

Submitted by WQAD Web Staff

Monday, May 20th, 2013, 9:41pm

Why? It’s the question many have asked as the city of Davenport and the Riverboat Development Authority pursue different casino developers.

After Monday, May 20th, 2013, 45 local organizations can answer that question and News 8′s Angie Sharp spoke with two of them.

Inside Casa De Los Ninos in Moline, little minds are growing.

“It’s about helping our young kids be prepared for Kindergarten,” says Michael Woods, Executive Director of Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities.

The bi-lingual preschool is finishing its first year and Woods wants to build another one across the river by re-purposing the old Marquette Academy building in Davenport.

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